Over two years had passed, and the long-awaited marriage of Anton and Isabella was looming.
Months of preparation went into this event. It was not only a wedding, but a political statement. The Christian Kingdoms were united through a bond of blood. The world would now know that the alliance between Luxenberg and Visconte was properly cemented.
Victor and his party consisted of his family, plus his sister and cousin. Accompanying them were Marshal Bessières, General Rapp, General Bertrand, General Tauentzien, Field Marshal Wellesley and Field Marshal Schwarzenberg. The Austrian Field Marshal made the trip from Simbar to join in this special occasion.
These were commanders that Victor selected, mostly due to their relationship with Anton. The only exception was Field Marshal Wellesley, who was invited since he was the lead commander in the war there. Escorting them were 2,500 French Imperial Guard soldiers. These would be the only soldiers accompanying them.
For weeks, they travelled from Sinolla to Prato, to Napo, Lodi and then Roma. For the residents of these cities, it was the return of a legend, a man who led his soldiers and conquered half the continent with Alphonse Visconte.
Upon their arrival in Roma, the city felt livelier than ever. Markets clamoured with curious people looking at exotic wares brought by merchants. Taverns were packed full of people singing, dancing and drinking. The wall that had fallen during the siege had been repaired, and the marks of battle had begun to fade from the city's memory.
When the Luxenberg party went through the gates of Roma, they were welcomed by the blasts of trumpets, and civilians crowded the streets to see the return of Victor. Colourful flowers could be seen thrown into the streets as they passed.
After meandering through the streets of Roma, they finally arrived at the Visconte Palace. It was fully restored, a beautiful monument of hope for the city and this continent. The palace staff and guards were all gathered in the courtyard along with Alphonse, Luca Sozinni and Alphonse's son, Otto Visconte.
Alphonse stepped forward and put forth his hand, "King Victor, it is good to see you again, my friend."
Victor smiled and shook his hand, "King Alphonse, I believe there is someone you should be saying hello to first."
Victor used his hand and motioned to the young lady standing next to Anton. Her dress was elegant and green, with a hairpiece to match it. Alphonse stood still for a moment, a soft smile creeping on his face. "Isabella", he muttered.
With his arms stretched wide, Isabella hastily walked into her father's arms. It had been a few years since they had seen one another. They shared a warm embrace before Isabella went to greet her brother Otto.
Seeing the warm reunion, the rest of Victor's family stepped forward. Victor took the time to introduce each of his family members, leaving Anton for last. "Finally, I would like to introduce you to my son and heir, Anton."
Anton stepped forward and offered a slight bow, while Alphonse studied the boy who would marry his daughter. "So this Anton, he certainly looks like you, Victor," Alphonse said sternly. The Luxenberg heir did not falter and remained composed. "It is an honour to finally meet you, Your Majesty. Isabella has told me many good things about you and your son."
Alphonse smirked; his intimidation tactics were ineffective against Anton. "Very good," Alphonse chuckled. With the reunion going well, everyone was escorted into the palace; the majority of the Royal Guard were an exception and were shown to a barracks.
Inside the palace was a massive feast to celebrate the arrival, meat, alcohol and other exquisite delicacies were brought out. A few Luxenberg commanders were able to catch up and reminisce with the Visconte commanders present.
At the height of celebration, all was going swimmingly, until a certain someone arrived.
The marble doors of the Visconte Palace shuddered before they opened.
Not swung, not parted—shuddered, as though the weight of the night itself pressed against them. Laughter and music from the great feast beyond faltered, goblets pausing halfway to lips as nobles turned toward the entrance.
Then the doors boomed wide.
A cold draft swept through the hall, snuffing a line of candles in its wake. The musicians stopped. The clatter of cutlery died. Even the chatter of the foreign dignitaries fell into stunned silence.
Framed in the doorway stood Pope Constantine IV. His papal robes looked magnificent, with his striking silver eyes causing everyone to avoid eye contact and lower their head in reverence.
At his sides marched five out of the six cardinals, each in dark scarlet cloaks embroidered with gold sigils of judgment and authority. They moved with calm, deliberate purpose, their staffs striking the marble in perfect unity—tock… tock… tock…—a sound that somehow grew louder than the entire feast.
The nobles nearest the door instinctively stepped back.
King Alphonse Visconte rose from his throne-like seat at the head of the feast table, surprise flickering across his face.
And King Victor Luxenberg, whose arrival this feast was meant to honour, slowly set down his goblet. His wife and children exchanged nervous glances. Victor slowly rose to greet the Pope and his cardinals.
Victor and Alphonse both bowed to the Pope, "We greet you, Your Holiness."
Everyone was bowing at this point, awaiting the Pope to signal them to rise. When he did so, he had a cherry smile on his face. It was unsettling given the mood; many were weary of it and chose not to move from their spot.
"Victor, my child, it is good to see you again." The Pope said in a warm voice.
Victor knelt before the Pope and kissed his ring. "You honour us with your presence. I was planning to visit the cathedral tomorrow to see you, but it looks like you have beaten me to it." In order to keep the peace and maintain good relations with everyone there, Victor acted friendly to the Pope.
"When I heard you and your family arrived, I could not contain myself and was eager to see you." The Pope smiled. Behind Victor was his wife and children, who caught the attention of Constantine. He brushed past Victor and introduced himself to Clarisse.
"I take it you must be Queen Clarisse. I am glad the rumours are true, your presence in Roma has brought a radiant light to the city."
Clarisse smiled and knelt to kiss his ring, "Thank you, Your Holiness. It is an honour to meet you."
Constantine smiled at the Luxenberg queen and her small children before approaching Henri and Anton. With both boys being considered men, the Pope studied each of them before speaking."You young men must be Anton and Henri. If you are anything like your father, then I expect great things from you two."
The boys bowed and thanked the Pope for his remark.
While all this was happening, Alphonse displayed a flurry of emotions. Most of which were of fear.